David Attenborough’s First Life VR

A short and sweet documentary from the genius that is David Attenborough.

I shall start this short review with an apology for the lack of updates over the past few months. Many have messaged me, assuming the worst, that either I’ve given up or that PSVR is dead. Neither is true! In truth, I’ve been finishing a degree and have had to write, produce and direct two web series and finish off a dissertation. The work isn’t over yet, but I do actually have some time for VR now!

After my VR hiatus, I wanted to ease myself back into the game with a relaxing title, and this certainly fits the bill. You can’t shoot, jump or interact with this title in any way. Past the title screen, you don’t actually do anything. But this is a David Attenborough documentary film, not Call of Duty.

As the title suggests, this documentary covers the first forms of life here on Earth. From single-celled organisms to giant arthropods, you see them here, and they’re right in front of your face. Coming face-to-face with 500 million-year-old creatures is an awe-inspiring moment. If you have an interest in wildlife, you will really appreciate seeing these age-old extinct animals up close and personal.

As I mentioned earlier, there is no gameplay here. This is a documentary, and it only lasts fifteen minutes. If the experience had cost more than it did I may have been a little disappointed. It wasn’t anywhere near long enough for me, but then I yelped in dismay late last year when one-hour episodes of Planet Earth 2 finished. I cannot get enough Attenborough, and if you’re like me, you’ll both love and loathe this experience. As exciting as it is, it leaves you wanting more, much more.

The title isn’t the prettiest and as someone who has moved onto a PS4 Pro for enhanced VR graphics I was left mildly disappointed as it appeared pixelated and blurry. It doesn’t ruin the experience but does hamper it slightly as ideally you’d want to see the wildlife as clearly as possible.

A wildlife documentary wouldn’t be complete without Attenborough.

The immersion here is adequate, it does feel as though you’re floating passed early life at the bottom of the ocean.

There isn’t a lot of replay value here. You may want to show your friends and family VR for the first time, but there are better titles for that such as Playstation VR Worlds.

If you’re interested in science, wildlife or just David Attenborough then it’s well worth the punt, especially considering the price.

VERDICT: 7/10 – It’s not long and there’s not a lot of replay value… but it’s David Attenborough and science is cool.